What is Vocal Cord Paralysis?
Vocal cord paralysis and paresis — complete or partial loss of vocal cord movement — can have a profound impact on your voice, breathing, and ability to swallow. Paralysis occurs when the nerve controlling the vocal cord is damaged or disrupted. Common causes include neck or chest surgery, viral illness, thyroid conditions, tumors affecting the nerves of the neck or chest, and in some cases, no identifiable cause at all.
Symptoms of Vocal Cord Paralysis
Vocal cord paralysis most commonly affects one vocal cord (unilateral), resulting in:
- A weak, breathy, or strained voice
- Difficulty projecting or being heard in noisy environments
- Voice fatigue with prolonged speaking or singing
- Coughing or choking when eating or drinking
In rare cases, both vocal cords may be affected (bilateral paralysis), which primarily presents as a breathing problem rather than a voice problem and requires prompt evaluation.
Diagnosis & Treatment
As one of a select group of fellowship-trained laryngologists in Los Angeles, Dr. Benjamin Rafii brings specialized expertise to the evaluation and surgical management of vocal cord paralysis — including some of the most advanced treatment options available. Evaluation begins with a thorough history, physical examination, and high-definition videostroboscopy. If the cause is unclear, imaging of the neck and chest is performed to assess the health of the nerves to the vocal cords. Occasionally, additional testing such as laryngeal electromyography (LEMG) may be recommended to better understand the prognosis of the nerve injury.
Treatment depends on the severity of symptoms, the underlying cause, and the likelihood of spontaneous recovery. Options include:
- Observation and voice therapy — for mild cases or when early recovery is anticipated
- Injection laryngoplasty — a temporary but minimally invasive procedure to rapidly restore vocal cord closure and improve voice and swallowing
- Type I Thyroplasty (Medialization Laryngoplasty) — a definitive surgical solution for permanent paralysis
- Arytenoid Adduction & Laryngeal Reinnervation — advanced surgical techniques for carefully selected patients
- Medications — off-label use of certain medications may improve the rate of recovery in some cases of vocal cord paralysis†
Related Conditions: Hoarseness & Voice Disorders | Aging Voice | Swallowing Disorders / Dysphagia
Related Treatments: Injection Laryngoplasty | Type I Thyroplasty | Arytenoid Adduction | Laryngeal Reinnervation
Related Services: Comprehensive Voice Evaluation | Vocal Cord & Voice Surgery
If you are experiencing symptoms of vocal cord paralysis or paresis, Dr. Rafii and his team are here to help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation at The Laryngology & Voice Center of Beverly Hills — same- and next-day appointments are available.